Why did Billie Eilish wear a Taylor Hawkins tribute t-shirt at the Grammys?
The singer-songwriter performed Happier Than Ever alongside brother Finneas, and wore a t-shirt with a picture of the Foo Fighters drummer on the front.
The 64th Grammy Awards ceremony took place in Vas Vegas, Nevada on Sunday evening with the great and the good of the music industry gathered to celebrate the greatest musical achievements of 2021.
Singer-songwriter Billie Eilish performed live alongside brother Finneas, sporting a t-shirt paying tribute to Taylor Hawkins. The former Foo Fighters drummer was found dead in his hotel room earlier this week as the band continued its South American tour.
Eilish wore a black oversized t-shirt with Hawkins’ image emblazoned across the front, showing the drummer smiling behind his drum kit. The Foo Fighters had been scheduled to perform at the Grammys but pulled out due to the sudden and distressing loss of a close friend.
What is the relationship between Billie Eilish and Taylor Hawkins?
While at first glance, Billie EIlish may not seem like the most likely candidate to offer sympathies for Hawkins’ untimely death, but there is a backstory between the two.
The Independent reports that the band had supported Eilish and her music in the early days of her career. Roisin O’Connor wrote:
“Eilish, who had been championed by Hawkins and his Foo Fighters bandmate Dave Grohl, was praised by fans on social media for the thoughtful tribute.”
Follow the Grammy Awards live
At the end of her performance of ‘Happier Than Ever’ on Sunday, Eilish proudly pulled at the top of the shirt, making clear that Hawkins’ had been at the forefront of her mind. She is among the most nominated artists at this year’s Grammy Awards, receiving seven nods.
Social media praises Billie Eilish’ Hawkins tribute
Where you wondering who was on Billie Eilish's t-shirt? Well the tribute was quickly up on by eagle-eyed watchers and Eilish’s decision to pay her respects to the Foo Fighters icon was commented upon on Twitter.
Music journalist and radio host Eric Alper wrote: “Billie Eilish is honouring Foo Fighters’ drummer Taylor Hawkins tonight on the Grammys.
“Billie Eilish is wearing a Taylor Hawkins t-shirt during her Grammys performance and my heart broke a little,” news anchor Brandi Khou tweeted.